Univar B.V., a subsidiary of Univar Solutions Inc. (NYSE: UNVR) (“Univar Solutions”), a global chemical and ingredient distributor and provider of value-added services, announced recently that it has reached an expanded agreement with Ingredion Inc. as its exclusive distributor of PureCircle’s portfolio of plant-based stevia products in select countries across Europe. PureCircle’s robust range of sweeteners and flavors enhance Univar Solutions’ industry-leading portfolio of specialty food ingredients used in beverages, dairy and dairy-alternatives as well as sports nutrition and savory applications.
“As a valued partner for more than 20 years, we are elated to expand and strengthen our relationship with Ingredion, adding a broad portfolio of their natural stevia ingredients in Europe,” said Kevin Hack, vice president of global food ingredients at Univar Solutions. “Suppliers recognize the value of our dedicated technical and sales teams who enjoy long-standing relationships with food customers and wish to innovate with ingredients like stevia products as well as find solutions that meet the ever-present demand for consumer-friendly and more sustainable ingredients.”
Stevia is a zero-calorie, plant-based sweetener of natural origin, up to 350 times sweeter than sugar, and found in more than 20,000 food and beverage products globally. Ingredion provides PureCircle’s stevia plant-based sweeteners and flavors, including those made with its proprietary Starleaf™ stevia plant, which optimizes taste and functionality for improved flavor and mouthfeel. Bringing together Univar Solutions’ local market knowledge, technical skill and logistical support with PureCircle’s integrated supply chain and application expertise will help deliver market-leading food and beverage solutions.
“Ingredion and PureCircle are excited about further strengthening our partnership with Univar Solutions,” said Menno Slob, distributor manager for Ingredion. “The addition of PureCircle’s product portfolio to our existing partnership allows us to service the market with an even broader range of ingredient solutions and with Univar Solutions’ knowledge and expertise as a distributor along with the innovative PureCircle products we can now offer, we are positioned to give our customers the support and solutions they need to overcome their formulation challenges.”
